My full name is James Phillip Harmon but I generally use my middle name, Phillip or Phil; however, I am not too fussy about this. I live in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and have worked in both in-patient and outpatient settings as a Licensed Professional Counselor for just over 30 years. These settings have allowed me to work with people who are experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse and addiction issues, pretty much general practice.
My initial counseling education was in Adlerian Psychology. This foundation has been strengthened and expanded with later training in Marsha Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Alfred Adler was a social psychiatrist who taught that all human behavior has a purpose that makes sense to the individual. He taught that we develop a personal understanding and beliefs about life that we use in our efforts to address the challenges of finding where we belong in society, finding how we can best contribute to society and in establishing and maintaining relationships. Adlerians believe that we all have what are called "mistaken beliefs" things that are true because we believe them but are only true to us, not in the more general context of society as a whole. A more contemporary approach, that in my opinion builds upon some of what Adler taught, is Marsha Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This approach sees the individual as being the expert on and about themselves. Again, we have mistaken beliefs that are our truths and the issue becomes adjusting these beliefs, if we choose to do so, to help us respond in a more effective manner to the challenges life presents. Therapy is something that happens between two equal partners, not a technique that is imposed. The therapist and client may have very different beliefs and opinions about what is happeneing. Both are correct; they simply disagree. The best solution to a problem is the one that is most effective for helping the client build the life they want to have.
I believe that you have the ability, the strength and the courage to identify and make needful changes that can help you have a more satisfying life. It can a bit of work but is well worth the effort. A large part of the therapist's job is to ask questions, make comments and suggestions, maybe challenge a bit to help the client find their answers.
Additional areas of focus: Divorce and separation, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Social anxiety and phobia
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
VA LPC 0701001987
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for James Harmon. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
James is a great therapist. I’m very thankful
Written on Dec 20, 2024 after therapy with James for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
James is a great listener and offers advice in a way that is friendly but also in a way that seeks to help. He is a straight shooter and offers a lot of insights into the why’s of your issues. I highly recommend James.
Written on Dec 10, 2024 after therapy with James for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
I have recommended better help to a bunch of people because of Phil. Seriously I wasn't blowing smoke. This guy is a phenomenal counselor. Life changing stuff, you guys got a good one here.
Written on Nov 09, 2024 after therapy with James for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, eating disorders, and parenting issues
He is very execellent!
Written on Nov 05, 2024 after therapy with James for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
James is insightful and an extremely good listener. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Written on Oct 01, 2024 after therapy with James for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and grief
A solid therapist. I value the time that I spend with him.
Written on Sep 23, 2024 after therapy with James for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coaching